PRINCE MAX EXPLAINS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 October 1918, Page 5

PRINCE MAX EXPLAINS.

THE OFFER MERELY A BASIS FOR NEGOTIATIONS. A PLAUSIBLE NOTE. Received Oct, 7, 5.5 p.m. , Amsterdam; Oct. 0. Prince Max, on Saturday, created a sensation in the Reichstag by announcing that he had sent a Note to President Wilson. He went on: "I do not speak in my own name, but in that of the Whole German people. I join my support to the programme of the majority parties, also to an earlier German Government's note to the Pope and the Reichstag's resolutions of July 19, 1017. The programme demanded the complete restoration of the independence of Belgium, and Raid that peace treaties must not be a hindrance to the general peace proposals.

"In addition to constitutional reforms in Prussia, the programme demanded the abolition of military institutions which exorcise political influence. The programme particularly desired that legislation should be introduced as soon as possible in the Baltic countries of Lithuania and Poland by the countries themselves. I am convinced that it will be impossible after the war for a Government which the Reichstag of the time does not support, to carry on. If this reform commences it can never be stopped. There is no doubt the Federal States which are not yet democratised will follow Prussia's example. "The Kaiser's letter of September 30 opened a new epoch in the internal history of Germany. Four years of suffering and fighting have passed. We are ready for still greater sacrifices, should it become necessary, but it is our duty to get certain intelligence and see whether an honorable completion of the war is possible, in order that the bloody fight may .not be continued a day longer than necessary.

"Supported by all the chosen authorities in the country and by our allies, I have this night, October 5, through Switzerland, directed a note to the President of the United States, asking him to take steps towards procuring peace and get into communication with all the belligerents. The note will arrive at Washington to-day or to-morrow. The note has been directed to the President because, in a message to Congress on January 8 and his speech of September 27 he set forth a programme of general peace which we can accept as a basis for negotiations. I have taken this step not only to release Germany and her allies, but for the sake of humanity, which for four years haR been suffering under war, and because 1 think the ideas for the future happiness of the people as set forth by "President Wilson are in accordance with the views of the vast majority of the German people. "My earlier speeches prove' that I have hot changed my mind since I accepted the Chancellorship. I still wish an honorable and lasting peace to the whole of humanity. For humanity's sake I hope President Wilson will receive our offer. Then the door will soon be open to an honorable peace of right and reconciliation for us as well as our antagonists." Received Oct. 7, 8.40' p.m. London, Oct. 0.

Continuing, Prince Max declared that whatever might be tlie result of the step the Government was taking, Germany would be found firmly resolved and unanimous either for the conclusion of a reasonable peace or for a final life and death struggle, wherein the people must participate through no fault of their own. The Reichstag adjourned till the middle of the week.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc.